Our Story…
In November of 1965, Elder and Mrs. Isadore Evans and family accepted the call from the Nevada-Utah Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists to establish a church amidst the Black population of Las Vegas, NV.
After some months of meeting in the Evans’ home, in spite of intense opposition from local leaders, it was through the providence of God and the intercession of Bro. Carlos Buylding, that consent was given by Pastor P. J. Walker to use a lot on Highland Drive, owned by Greater Faith Baptist Church. After the erection of a tent, meetings began there on June 12, 1966.
A few years later, having outgrown a modest facility on Lawry Avenue, the Greater Faith Baptist Church extended to us the use of their church facilities, and then sold us the lot on which the evangelistic tent had been erected a few years prior.
In 1970, through God’s divine providence, the congregation was able to use that lot (and other resources) to purchase a relatively new sanctuary at 1720 North J St. In August that year, under the leadership of Elder Norman McLeod, the congregation moved into this new facility, which became known as the Highland Square Seventh-Day Adventist Church. [Fun fact: It was while our services were held here that Richard Penniman –“Little Richard” – and his entourage used to attend our church.]
Under the leadership of Elder William Penick III (1987-1997), the decision was made to build a new structure adjacent to the existing facility. But, it was under the pastorate of Pastor of Harold Goodloe (1997-2002) that construction was completed, and a new name announced – Abundant Life Seventh-Day Adventist Church. With the groundbreaking occurring on July 23, 1995, the new sanctuary was opened for worship on July 23, 1999.
About Seventh-day Adventists
The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a mainstream Protestant church with approximately 19 million members worldwide, including more than one million members in North America. The Seventh-day Adventist Church seeks to enhance quality of life for people everywhere and to let people know that Jesus is coming again soon.
Adventists believe a Trinity of three persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—make up one God. They made salvation possible when Jesus, the Son, came to earth as a baby in Bethlehem and lived a sinless life in accordance with the Father’s will. When Jesus was crucified for the sins of the people of the world and arose from the dead on the third day, victory was won for everyone.